Unlike the Foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, this is a relatively new “elective” classification. Colleges and universities choose to participate by submitting required documentation describing “the nature and extent of their engagement with the community, be it local or beyond.”

This year, 305 institutions registered to receive an application (up from 217 in 2008), about half of which actually completed the process to document community engagement. Of the total applications, 115 were successfully classified as community engaged institutions.

“Through a classification that acknowledges significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement, the Foundation encourages colleges and universities to become more deeply engaged, to improve teaching and learning and to generate socially responsive knowledge to benefit communities,” said Carnegie President Anthony Bryk. “We are very pleased with the movement we are seeing in this direction.”

To be selected, schools had to provide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement that showed “alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices.”

The Foundation found a great deal of interest among colleges and universities in being recognized for community engagement commitments and noted an overall increase in student engagement tied to curriculum.

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This blog is dedicated to the wonderful high school students and their families who come to me for college advice. You will note a small bias toward readers located in northern Virginia. Although I work with students from lots of different places, this is my base. Rah, Super NoVA!

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I am an independent college consultant practicing in Oakton, Virginia. I have two children who survived the college admissions process and a very large tabby cat who sits in on most of my counseling sessions. My credentials include degrees from Penn and Harvard, associate membership in the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. As a professional college consultant, I support students and families navigating their own personal college explorations.